At the Crossroads: Women in Civic Leadership

As the nation marks the centennial of women’s suffrage, the Seventh Annual Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on Civic Leadership, hosted by the University of Indianapolis on March 6, will explore the impact of women in civic leadership both regionally and across the country. The annual symposium, organized by the University of Indianapolis Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives in partnership with Indiana Humanities, is made possible through the generous support of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. This year’s event brings together women from the corporate, political and nonprofit worlds to delve into achievements made and the milestones yet to be reached.

Featuring an INconversation with Jennifer Lawless and Rima Shahid

Although women have played an integral role in a variety of leadership positions, Indiana has never elected a woman governor or senator. Moreover, Indianapolis has never elected a female mayor. What does this suggest about the unique challenges politically ambitious women face as they seek and hold elected office? During this signature INconversation, Jennifer L. Lawless, Commonwealth Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, a nationally renowned expert on women, the media and politics, will join us to share her insights and look ahead to 2020 and beyond. Rima Shahid, founding Executive Director of Women4Change, will moderate.